BAFTA Awards 2026: ‘One Battle After Another’ Dominates, Alan Cumming Addresses Disruptions

The 79th British Academy Film Awards, often considered the UK’s equivalent of the Oscars, took place on February 22, 2026, at London’s Royal Festival Hall. The ceremony saw Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” emerge as the night’s biggest winner, while host Alan Cumming navigated disruptions during the broadcast.

‘One Battle After Another’ Sweeps the Awards

“One Battle After Another” secured six awards, including Best Film and Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson. Sean Penn was recognized with the Best Supporting Actor award and the film also won for Non-Original Screenplay, Editing, and Photography. The film had received a total of 14 nominations.

Robert Aramayo Wins Best Actor

Robert Aramayo was named Best Actor for his performance in “I Swear,” a social comedy focusing on a young man with Tourette’s syndrome. He beat out competition from Timothée Chalamet (“Marty Supreme”), Leonardo DiCaprio (“Battles After Battles”), Ethan Hawke (“Blue Moon”), Michael B. Jordan (“Sinners”), and Jesse Plemons (“Bugonia”).

Buckley and ‘Hamnet’ Triumph

Jessie Buckley received the Best Leading Actress award for her role in “Hamnet,” which was also awarded Best British Film.

Other Notable Wins

“Frankenstein” was recognized for its achievements in Costume Design, Production Design, and Makeup. Wunmi Mosaku won Best Supporting Actress for “Sinners,” and the film also secured awards for Original Screenplay and Soundtrack. “Sentimental Value” was crowned Best Foreign Film, and “Zootropolis 2” took home the award for Best Animated Film.

Disruptions and Cumming’s Response

The ceremony was marked by outbursts from John Davidson, a Tourette’s syndrome campaigner and the inspiration behind the BAFTA-nominated film “I Swear.” Davidson’s symptoms include tics and uncontrollable outbursts, sometimes involving strong language. During the ceremony, he shouted obscenities, including “shut the fuck up” and “fuck you,” and at one point, used a racial slur while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented an award. Host Alan Cumming thanked the audience for their understanding following the disruptions [Variety].

Opening Monologue Draws Mixed Reactions

Cumming’s opening monologue also received mixed reviews, with some viewers describing it as “toe-curlingly awkward.” He began by referencing the serious themes of the previous year’s films and encouraged the audience to participate in a “primal scream.” [Mirror]